Does your religion make you a better human being or Does it make you feel you are the chosen one?

Question

I often see them say that they do such and such good because God will reward them. Now dont get me wrong, i am a theist myself but shouldnt we do things just for the good of them and how they help the society grow together.
I heard about this lady who helped this stranger who was mentally ill that almost got himself killed on the road. She first took hold of him and was kind enough to take him to the nearest hospital. No one thanked her or knew about her. She just did what she thought was the right thing to do. In my humble opinion i think good comes from the humbleness, responsibility and love from heart. My question is "Is the Good really Good when you do it for the sake of rewards but not for the sake of Good?"

Answer 1

You are right about that it should come from a humble, loving heart, done because that is what we are called to do . Doing it for reward will get you nothing.

Answer 2

I feel very lucky that I was born to a muslim family, and that Allah has made the path of Islam so visible an available for me since the beginning of my life. I also feel lucky that the first words I heard were the "shahada" that my father said near my ear directly after I was born. But chosen would be too strong of a word for me, Muhammad- peace be upon him would be the one who I'd call chosen.
As for the the "good deeds" you mentioned, I do a good deed because it comes out of instinct. When I am helping someone for nothing in return, it gives me great pleasure. I know that Allah is watching at all times, but honestly I dont think "yes i just did somethin good, another hasana for me.." no, thats not what comes to mind.

Answer 3

Neither. I make myself a better human being; my moral imperatives come from within. Wicca just happens to the the religion that most closely matches those inherent impulses, as well as providing me with a beautiful and poetic medium in which to worship the Gods as I perceive Them. And as a Wiccan, I believe that all religions are potentially valid paths to the Divine; therefore, how could Wiccans be the "chosen ones" above all others?

Answer 4

How can anyone that lets God truly into there life not be a better person for that? Some philosopher once said "you can believe in God and live the way God wants and if hes real then you will have led a good life or if he's not real you still would have led a good life...its if you don't believe and he's real, that's where your in trouble"...its not my philosophy just food for thought

Answer 5

My cultural religion gives me the opportunity to participate in a community of people with widely different opinions who come together to be nourished at a common table. I think this is a positive aspect of my humanity. I have opportunities to spend time and share conversation with people who I wouldn't otherwise, and I occasionally get the opportunity to put someone else's needs in front of my own - which is kind of like spiritual exercise - I don't always want to do it, but I do feel better when it is done.

Answer 6

I follow my religion to gain better understanding of the world around us and my place within it. I strive to be a better person because it is what the world needs. I am a Wiccan and we do not believe in Heaven or Hell so I am not worried about eternal damnation for evil or eternal salvation for good. I am worried about what kind of world we leave behind for our children.

Blessed Be )O(

Answer 7

No one who follows Jesus can help but become a better person because of his influence.

Answer 8

Makes me a better person. I feel that Allah (SWT) has a definite purpose for me, but I am not a chosen anything. A "tool of Allah", or my middle name, "sword of Allah", perhaps, but nothing to be conceited about.

Answer 9

A better person , the other would be vanity. Peace

Answer 10

It makes me feel I'm a saint.